Search DeKalb County Bench Warrants
Bench warrants in DeKalb County are managed by the Sheriff's Office and the courts based in Smithville. The DeKalb County court system is part of Tennessee's 13th Judicial District. When someone misses a court date or fails to follow a judge's order, the court issues a bench warrant for that person. The DeKalb County Sheriff then handles the service and arrest. You can check on active bench warrants by calling the sheriff's office at (615) 597-4935 or by visiting the courthouse during normal business hours. Both the Circuit Court and General Sessions Court in DeKalb County have the power to issue bench warrants.
DeKalb County Quick Facts
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is located at 5077 S. Raine Street in Smithville. This office handles all bench warrant service in DeKalb County. Deputies carry out warrants issued by the courts. The sheriff also runs the jail, provides court security, and handles civil process. You can reach them at (615) 597-4935 to ask about warrants or other records.
The sheriff's office keeps an inmate roster for people in custody. If a person is arrested on a bench warrant in DeKalb County, they will show up on this roster. Warrant inquiries can be made by phone or in person. There is no online warrant search tool for DeKalb County at this time, so you must contact the office directly. The staff can tell you if a bench warrant exists and what the charges are. They can also tell you the bond amount and which court issued the warrant.
Here is a screenshot of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office website where you can find contact details for bench warrant inquiries.
The office is open during regular business hours. For emergencies, call 911 for 24/7 response in DeKalb County.
DeKalb County Court System and Bench Warrants
DeKalb County has two main courts that issue bench warrants. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases and civil matters over $25,000. It is part of the 13th Judicial District. The General Sessions Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil cases under $25,000. Judicial commissioners are on call 24/7 to issue warrants when needed. Both courts can issue a bench warrant for failure to appear.
When a bench warrant is issued in DeKalb County, the clerk enters it into the court record system. The warrant stays active until it is served or recalled by the judge. Under Tennessee law, felony bench warrants never expire. Misdemeanor warrants can expire after five years per TCA 40-6-206. The Circuit Court Clerk in Smithville keeps all court records and can help you find information about your case.
Failure to appear is a crime in Tennessee. Under TCA 39-16-609, it can be a Class A misdemeanor with up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. In some cases, it can be charged as a Class E felony with one to six years in prison.
Note: Always verify bench warrant details with the DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk before taking any legal action.
How to Search Bench Warrants in DeKalb County
You have a few ways to look up bench warrants in DeKalb County. The most direct way is to call the sheriff's office or visit the courthouse. The staff can check the system for you. You need to give them a name to search. A date of birth helps narrow things down. They will tell you if a bench warrant is on file.
The Tennessee Public Court Records Portal offers free online access to court records for participating counties. You can search by name or case number. DeKalb County participates in this system, so some records may show up there. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts also has a case search tool that covers many Tennessee courts. These free tools can give you basic case details, but you will need to contact the clerk for full records or certified copies.
Clearing a Bench Warrant in DeKalb County
Getting a bench warrant cleared takes action on your part. You can hire a lawyer to go to court for you in some cases. An attorney can file a motion to recall the bench warrant and set a new date. This is often the best path because it can keep you from being arrested. Some people choose to turn themselves in at the DeKalb County jail. When you do that, you will be processed and a bond will be set.
The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference works with local prosecutors across the state. The district attorney for the 13th Judicial District handles bench warrant cases in DeKalb County. In some cases, diversion programs may be an option. These programs let you resolve the case without a formal conviction. Talk to a lawyer or the court clerk to find out what options you have in DeKalb County.
The Tennessee State Library and Archives keeps historical court records from DeKalb County. If you need to look up an old bench warrant or case file, the archives may have it on microfilm. Records include court minutes, case files, and land records going back many years.
Cities in DeKalb County
DeKalb County includes Smithville, Alexandria, Dowelltown, and Liberty. All bench warrant cases for residents are handled through the DeKalb County courts in Smithville. None of these cities have a separate city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
DeKalb County borders several other counties. Check that your bench warrant case is filed in the correct county before contacting the courts.